CalFresh
CalFresh: money for groceries
CalFresh, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federal benefits program to support your food security. Eligible students may receive as much as $234 per month towards groceries.
CalFresh benefits are pre-loaded monthly into an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used like a debit card at major chain grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and Costco. It can also be used at some smaller stores and farmers’ markets. EBT Cards are also accepted on campus! Visit the Merrill and Porter Markets to spend your CalFresh Benefits on campus.
For inquiries, contact CalFresh via email calfresh@ucsc.edu.
How to apply
2. Apply with CalFresh team
Schedule a meeting with a CalFresh Outreach Team member to apply and submit verification documents.
Check out the UCSC CalFresh Application Tutorial
3. County interview + approval
Complete an interview with your county office by phone or in person. Let your CalFresh Outreach Team know if you have not heard from the county within 7 days of applying.
4. Complete recertifications
Complete a 6-month recertification (SAR-7) after acceptance and complete a phone interview.
CalFresh undergraduate eligibility
U.S. citizens and permanent residents may qualify if they meet one or more of the following:
- Approved for Work Study
- Work part-time (20+ hours/week or average about 80 hours/month)
- Receive CalGrant A or B
- Campus employment
- Participate in an Extended Foster Care (AB 12/AB 212) program
- Chafee Educational Training Voucher program
- Have a dependent under 12
- Your major or minor is an LPIE
- LPIE stands for Local Programs that Increase Employability. As of 2023, any major or minor that requires a laboratory course qualifies. Learn more about Local Programs that Increase Employability.
CalFresh graduate student eligibility
List of Approved Graduate Local Programs that Increase Employability (Updated June 2025)
If your program is listed in the document above, you are eligible to apply for CalFresh benefits!
Note: If a student’s gross income is greater than $2,266 per month (for a household of 1), they do not qualify. Find more information about the maximum gross income allowed.
